Early-onset pure absence epilepsy: a distinct epileptic syndrome

Abstract

Early-onset pure absence epilepsy has not yet considered in the International League Against Epilepsy classification, but several reports have supported its existence as a distinct epileptic syndrome primarily manifesting with typical absences in early childhood. This review summarizes the current understanding on this epilepsy.

Conclusions: Early-onset pure absence epilepsy is a distinct epilepsy characterized by absences starting from a few months to 4 years of age, normal early psychomotor development, good antiepileptic drug seizure control and normal intellectual outcome.